- Max Verstappen drove for a rival team during an unexpected test session
- The four-time world champion used a fake name at the Nurburgring Nordschleife
Red Bull star Max Verstappen used a fake name as he took part in an unexpected test session for a rival team.
As reported by The Mirror, Verstappen took part in the session at the Nurburgring Nordschleife on Friday under the name of Franz Hermann.
However, it was clear to onlookers that Verstappen was behind the wheel as the car included his Verstappen.com livery.
In addition, Verstappen wore his usual helmet and race suit which included his own name.
The 27-year-old has won the World Drivers’ Championship on four occasions, which he achieved consecutively from 2021 to 2024.
He is currently in third place in this year’s standings behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Red Bull star Max Verstappen used a fake name to drive for a rival team in a test session
Verstappen (pictured driving for Red Bull) took part in the session at the Nurburgring Nordschleife on Friday under the name of Franz Hermann
Verstappen elected to test a Ferrari 296 GT3.
The star’s fake name was on display on the car along with the Dutch flag.
Verstappen, who usually undergoes test sessions in more private surroundings, elected to be part of the official test and setup sessions ahead of the third NLS round.
He completed a few laps as he took the wheel of the Emil Frey Racing Ferrari.
Speaking last year, Verstappen had hinted at his desire to drive a GT3 at the Nurburgring.
He said: ‘The Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of my absolute favorite race tracks, and I hope that in a few years I can also compete here with a real GT3’.
Verstappen will be back in F1 action at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix next weekend.
He finished in fourth place at the previous race in Miami.
Verstappen elected to test a Ferrari 296 GT3 as he completed a few laps (car pictured without Verstappen)
Prior to that, Verstappen had finished second in Saudi Arabia.
